Capnography

What is capnography?

Capnography is the technique used for the continuous monitoring of a patient's carbon dioxide (CO2) levels during respiration. It is a non-invasive method used to measure alveolar ventilation and assess the patient's metabolic status in various situations: during mechanical ventilation, during an asthma attack, after bronchodilator inhalation, etc.

The reading is obtained using a device called a capnograph.

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What is a capnograph used for?

The capnograph is the device that measures and records CO₂ levels in real time.

Its usefulness is focused on:

1. Ventilation monitoring: allows for the assessment of whether a patient is breathing correctly and the early detection of respiratory problems.
2. Endotracheal tube placement confirmation: based on CO₂ values obtained, it ensures that the tube is correctly placed during procedures such as intubation.
3. Anesthesia monitoring: evaluates ventilatory status during surgery, ensuring adequate CO₂ elimination.
4. Emergency management: facilitates the detection of hypoxia, hypercapnia, or hypocapnia in critical situations such as cardiac arrest.

Benefits of capnography

Capnography offers numerous benefits in clinical practice, including:

• Early detection of respiratory complications: identifies problems such as airway obstruction, apnea, or hypoventilation before obvious clinical signs appear.
• Continuous monitoring: provides constant, real-time information on ventilation effectiveness.
• Risk reduction: improves patient safety by preventing complications related to anesthesia or mechanical ventilation.
• Versatility: useful in a variety of clinical settings, from operating rooms to emergency departments.

Application Examples

1. Intensive Care: monitoring patients on mechanical ventilation to adjust ventilation parameters and prevent complications.
2. Anesthesia: monitoring during surgery to ensure adequate gas exchange and minimize risks.
3. Emergency Medicine: rapid assessment of ventilation in critically ill patients, such as during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or in cases of overdose.
4. Prehospital Medicine: a key tool in ambulances to determine ventilation quality and guide initial care.

Normal values in capnography

Normal end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) values range from 35 to 45 mmHg in healthy adults.

These values provide key information about:

• Adequate ventilation: values within the normal range indicate efficient gas exchange in the lungs.
• Hypoventilation: values above 45 mmHg may indicate respiratory failure or CO₂ retention.
• Hyperventilation: values below 35 mmHg may indicate excessive CO₂ elimination, associated with stress, anxiety, or hypoxia.

Analyzing these figures helps healthcare professionals make quick and accurate decisions in various medical scenarios.

At OXIGEN salud, we offer comprehensive capnography solutions tailored to the needs of each clinical setting. Contact us for more information!